I got an "Engine Malfunction Reduced Power" alert on my 2009 Cooper S today. Car wouldn't go above 3,000 RPM. I've had the car less than 1 month, and have ~1,300 miles on it. I have a call into the service shop about it but haven't heard back from them. I need to drive over 250 miles in the next couple days (45 of which are necessary to get home today!). I'm worried about doing harm to the car and the risk of breaking down.

Has anyone heard of this alert? What should I do?? I'm so disappointed to be having issues with the car already. And its not very encouraging that it seems impossible to get someone on the phone in the service department.

Please help!

 

Is it happening every time you start the MINI? Or was it a one time thing? You can always call MINI roadside and get it towed to the shop, then request a loaner.

 

Its happening every time I drive it. Sounds and feels like its going to stall out on me when I'm stopped and then has zero pick-up when I'm moving. I am going to call roadside assistance....Thanks!

 

The message you are getting is indicating that the car has gone into "limp mode". this mode is intended to allow you to get the car to a service station or some other location to have the car repaired not to be driven many miles. The reduced power isn't necessarily the result of what's wrong it's just what the car does to protect itself when the computer realizes that something bad has happened. It could be something really simple or more complex.

Calling roadside assistance is the best idea, make sure you get a loaner for your trouble.

 

Make sure roadside pulls the MINI up on the bed via the tow hook ONLY. Some of these tow companies don't understand that. Good luck!

 

Just wanted to follow-up and let you know that I got towed and my mini was fixed with out any problems. It was a bad high pressure fuel pump. Doing a little research on other forums, it looks like a common problem on '09 BMWs....hopefully mine was a fluke and the mini's will be ok! I got her back on Friday evening and she's as good as new!

 

Good to hear!

 

Glad you got your Mini back.